Spain Train Crash Survivors Describe ‘Absolutely Terrifying’ Scene
Survivors of the deadly train crash in Spain have described scenes of chaos and fear after two trains collided between Málaga and Madrid on Sunday evening. Speaking to the BBC, passengers recounted moments of panic as carriages derailed, lights went out, and people struggled to escape the wreckage. The collision, which killed dozens and injured many more, is one of Spain’s worst rail disasters in over a decade.

Everything Happened in Seconds
Passengers said the impact came without warning. One survivor described a sudden violent jolt followed by screams as luggage and passengers were thrown across carriages.
It was absolutely terrifying. One moment we were travelling normally, and the next everything was flying,
Several people said they were knocked unconscious, while others were trapped by twisted metal and debris.
Darkness, Smoke, and Panic
Survivors described carriages plunged into darkness after the collision, with smoke filling the air. Some passengers used mobile phone lights to find exits, while others helped the injured escape through broken windows. A woman who escaped from a derailed carriage said she could hear people crying for help but was unable to reach them due to the damage.
Passengers Help Each Other
Despite the fear, many survivors spoke of acts of bravery. Passengers helped strangers, carried the injured, and tried to calm children amid the confusion. Emergency services arrived quickly, but survivors said the first minutes after the crash felt endless.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the collision. Rail services on the affected route remain suspended as forensic teams examine signaling systems, speed data, and track conditions. Spain’s government has pledged a full inquiry and support for victims and their families.
Nation in Mourning
As Spain mourns those who lost their lives, survivor testimonies have highlighted the human cost of the tragedy. Vigils have been held in several cities, with messages of condolence pouring in from across the country and abroad. For those who lived through the crash, the memories remain vivid.
I will never forget the sound, the fear, or the silence afterward, one survivor said.